This local heavyweight handles some of the most prestigious traveling exhibits in the nation. The museum, founded in 1924, hosts special exhibits throughout the year, but even if you miss one, it's worth a stop to see its rotating permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art, pre-Columbian art dating from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1500, and African art. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Orlando Museum of Art The OMA has been cited by Newsweek as one of the best museums of the South. The museum was founded in 1924. It began as a small art center with a group of artists who met informally in the early 1920s, displaying and critiquing their work. Nowadays, the museum is aimed at "collecting, preserving and interpreting notable works of art". It houses sculpture, art and photography, dating back to the 19th century. The OMA presents exhibitions of local, national and international significance. At museum shop guests can buy gift items, reflecting permanent and temporary OMA's art exhibitions.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Louis Comfort Tiffany is in the spotlight here, and, though it may not be a New York-quality house, if you're a fan, this is a must. This museum, founded in 1942 to display his art collection, has 40 vibrantly colored windows and 21 paintings by the master artist. In addition, there are non-Tiffany windows ranging from creations by Frank Lloyd Wright to 15th-century German masters. Look for leaded lamps by Tiffany and Emile Gallè; paintings by John Singer Sargent, Maxfield Parrish, and others; jewelry designed by Tiffany, Lalique, and Fabergé; photographs by Tiffany and other 19th-century artists; and Art Nouveau furnishings. Allow 2 hours.

The centerpiece of the Morse Museum is the collection of works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum's Tiffany collection includes fine examples in every medium he explored, in every kind of work he produced and from every period of his life.

The other collections: the museum has a significant collection of American paintings, graphics and decorative arts. The Morse's extensive American Art Pottery collection, which now numbers over 800 examples, is also worth seeing.

Morse Museum of American Art, 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

This museum covers the history of Central Florida and includes artifacts that date back to prehistory, like prehistoric projectile points, and extend into recent recorded time, like Seminole pottery and a Victorian parlor.

Orange County Regional History Center, 65 East Central Boulevard, Orlando, Florida

The biggest collection of Rock 'n' Roll artifacts from over 100 of music's most famous artists spanning the last half of the 20th Century. Arranged and displayed in nine different galleries, this "priceless and historic collection is sure to amaze and entertain rock fans of all ages".

Hard Rock Vault 8437 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

The largest of its kind in the Southeast, the Center presents different permanent and temporary exhibitions and programs. One of them is Touch the Sky, which explores the science and history of powered flight and highlights the contribution Central Florida has made to the aviation.

Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803